Purisima Creek Redwoods, an hour south of San Francisco, is the Mt. Tam of the Peninsula. The parking lot is full, the open space preserve is busy, but as soon as you put in some mileage and hike toward the summit, you only see ripped mountain bikers with true grit. Can’t say I’d go again, I was rather bored with the redwood scenery that never changed despite the several hour hike. But the centipede and banana slug were pretty awesome.
Michelle
June 12, 2013 at 11:10 pmI enjoy hikes like that…we usually bring our dogs too. I think because its so peaceful and its a complete change of pace of my crazy life. 🙂
Catherine
June 13, 2013 at 5:58 pmOur goal is to do one hike a week this summer. We want a dog so badly, but pets are not allowed in our apartment complex. Have you heard of Boo? I am obsessed! https://www.facebook.com/Boo
Janine Huldie
June 13, 2013 at 4:28 amWow, looks like an amazing place to hike. Loved seeing all your pictures from here and honestly just made me happy for this time of year and the nicer weather, too! 🙂
Catherine
June 13, 2013 at 6:39 pmThanks Janine! San Francisco weather is totally schizophrenic so whenever we can, we have to take advantage of it. The following day was so gloomy and misty in the city that everyone I know stayed indoors and watched movies.
thedoseofreality
June 13, 2013 at 8:11 amAm sending this to my sister, who lives in LA. She is always looking for great places to visit in CA. :)-Ashley
Catherine
June 13, 2013 at 6:39 pmAshley, there is incredible hiking in the LA area. Wish we could spend more time whenever we are in LA so that we could take advantage of all the great hikes.
Dana
June 13, 2013 at 1:02 pmWe are heading to San Francisco in two weeks and are going to visit a redwood forest (not sure which one) when we start driving south. Seeing your photos makes me excited to go!
Catherine
June 13, 2013 at 6:42 pmDana, you are possibly going to Muir Woods. It’s one of the closest hikes to the city and really stunning. But any hike around here will be fantastic. Don’t forget the Exploratorium. Hopefully you can go mid-week as it is mobbed on the weekends. Alternatively the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park!
Rachel
June 13, 2013 at 6:22 pmI love the teeny tiny insects contrasted with the giant trees!
Catherine
June 13, 2013 at 6:43 pmRachel, strangely enough, I LOVE insects. I took enough classes to almost minor in entomology.